Foreword

2024 has been a year of transformation for digitalswitzerland. The merger of the Foundation and Association will enable us to further strengthen our impact and enhance collaboration across sectors. With new leadership at the helm, namely CEO Franziska Barmettler and President Andreas Meyer, digitalswitzerland is entering its next phase of strategic development.

As Switzerland continues its journey toward becoming a leading digital nation, it has solidified its position as one of the world’s most competitive digital economies. The IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2024 placed Switzerland in 2nd place globally, reinforcing the country’s strength in innovation, knowledge transfer, and technological advancement.

Through collaboration with business, academia, government, and civil society, we have worked to establish a robust foundation for digital trust, responsible governance, and technological excellence, ensuring that the digital future benefits everyone.

Strengthening Trust in Digital Transformation

Responsible Digital Infrastructure and Regulation

The past year has seen critical developments in Switzerland’s digital infrastructure. The successful passage of the E-ID legislation marked a milestone in establishing a trusted digital identity ecosystem. digitalswitzerland played an active role in shaping discussions, contributing amendments, and advocating for a user-centric, secure approach to digital identity.

We have also deepened engagement in AI regulation and digital trust frameworks. Our AI working groups and engagement at the WEF and national forums have helped frame essential discussions around AI governance, ethics, and transparency. A policy paper on AI regulation is in development for 2025. The launch of our AI training platform further underscores our commitment to fostering AI literacy and responsible deployment.

At the intersection of data governance and digital sovereignty, we co-launched the Swiss Data Space Forum together with the Swiss Data Alliance, creating a platform for dialogue on how Switzerland can leverage data responsibly while ensuring self-determination in an interconnected digital world.

Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience

Cybersecurity remains a fundamental pillar of digital trust. In 2024, our national cybersecurity committee expanded to include 40+ leading experts, working on strengthening Switzerland’s cyber resilience. Our Cyber Study 2024, widely cited in the media, reinforced the urgency of proactive security measures for businesses and public institutions.

Through national and international collaboration, including our presence at the Global Cyber Conference, we continue to advocate for forward-looking cybersecurity policies that safeguard Switzerland’s digital landscape.

Digital Health: Building a Trustworthy Ecosystem

The integration of digital solutions in healthcare requires a high level of trust and coordination. This year, digitalswitzerland deepened its work on the Electronic Patient Record (EPR), advocating for improved adoption and usability. Our Digital Health Academy supported AI-driven health scaleups, ensuring that innovation aligns with ethical considerations and patient rights.

Additionally, we released The Swiss Healthcare System: Entering a New Digital Era, a study highlighting the evolving role of digitalisation in healthcare.

Through continued engagement with policymakers and healthcare stakeholders, we have helped strengthen Switzerland’s position as a leader in digital health governance and responsible data use.

Collaboration for Impact

Multi-Stakeholder Engagement

One of our core strengths remains our ability to bring diverse stakeholders together. In 2024, we facilitated key cross-sector collaborations, including:

  • The Swiss Alliance for Digital Inclusion (ADIS): A national initiative ensuring that digitalisation remains accessible to all citizens, particularly those with low digital skills.
  • DigiSanté: Strengthening our presence in shaping Switzerland’s future digital health strategy.
  • Carbon Roundtable: Bridging the gap between sustainability and finance, using digital tools to increase trust in voluntary carbon credit markets.
  • Res Publica Digitalis: A study outlining Switzerland’s vision for digital government transformation.

Expanding Regional Engagement

Recognising the importance of regional collaboration, we reinforced our engagement across Switzerland. Events such as AI in Action at the Locarno Film Festival and the Digital Competitiveness Forum in Lausanne showcased Switzerland’s role as a hub for digital innovation.

At the digitalswitzerland Village in Davos, we brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the role of digitalisation in shaping Switzerland’s global competitiveness.

On the international stage, digitalswitzerland was invited to high-level discussions, including a WEF-facilitated capacity-building workshop on Digital Talent Mobility and industry panels on AI, sustainability, and governance.

Empowering Switzerland for an AI and Data-Driven Future

Digital Literacy and Workforce Upskilling

Ensuring that Switzerland is prepared for an AI-driven economy is one of our key priorities. In 2024, we launched multiple initiatives to foster AI literacy, workforce upskilling, and digital competence:

eSustainability and Digital Solutions for Climate Action

Technology plays a crucial role in sustainability. Our study Smart & Green – Digital Pathways to Net Zero identified how digitalisation can contribute to reducing 1.2 to 3.2 million tonnes of CO2 in Switzerland.

Additionally, the WISER Project has continued its work in standardising greenhouse gas reporting, reinforcing Switzerland’s leadership in digital sustainability solutions.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Our focus will be on reinforcing trust in digital ecosystems, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering responsible innovation. Key priorities include:

  • Supporting the implementation of the Swiss E-ID and trust infrastructure.
  • Bringing together business, science, government, and the public to address emerging regulatory challenges in AI, cybersecurity, and platform governance.
  • Creating trust in digital ecosystems and supporting literacy to empower users/citizens
  • Strengthening trust in the age of AI
  • Discussing our topical focuses at our impact events, such as the Digital Gipfel Schweiz and our 10 years Celebration & Community Event

Together with our diverse member base, our team will continue to shape a digital future that is innovative, inclusive, and built on trust. Thank you for your continued support.

DOWNLOAD THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2024